construction type determination.pdf
Project has been evaluated for code compliance as follows:
The original structure appears to have been constructed under the 1991 UBC as a 'type V-B' - (no
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fire sprinkler) - 'B' occupancy - 'Division 2' (upper and lower floors) separated from an 'R'
occupancy - 'Division 3' - over an 'M' occupancy (private garage in '91 UBC) by 1-hr wall. Group
'B' Division 2 included both wholesale/retail stores and offices.
The partial change of occupancy of the structure under 2015 IEBC/IBC - lower floor 'B' occupancy
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(business) to 'M' occupancy (mercantile) - requires compliance with the 2015 IEBC Section
1012.
2015 IEBC Table 1012.5 (via change to higher hazard)/2015 IBC limits a 'V-B' - 'M'
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occupancy/NS - structure to 1 story unless the occupancies are separated, the entire structure is
sprinklered, or the structure would be required to be 'upgraded' to 'V-A' for non-separated uses.
Determination made by Building Official is that the existing structure as originally constructed and as
altered under this permit meets the intent of the code without requiring the separation of
occupancies or the entire structure to be sprinklered due to the partial change of occupancy for the
following reasons:
The proposed use/change of occupancy of the lower floor under this permit would have been
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classified as being in the same occupancy group and division as the unchanged portion at the
time of original construction - no separation or sprinklers required.
The 2015 IEBC/IBC does not otherwise require separation between 'B' and 'M' occupancies.
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The proposed use/change of occupancy under this permit is located on the lower floor - meeting
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the 2015 IEBC/IBC intent of a 'V-B' - 'M' occupancy with no fire sprinkler.
The upper floor 'B' occupancy continues to meet the requirements as originally constructed and
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under the 2015 IEBC/IBC.
The proper construction of a required occupancy separation, of that required to provide the fire-
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resistance for 'V-A' building elements, or the installation of a fire sprinkler system, in an existing
structure would be difficult without measures taken beyond that reasonable considering that
otherwise allowed, and with no apparent gain in that intended to provide for life safety.
Remaining concerns due to the partial change in occupancy and relative hazard and other
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provisions of the IEBC 1012 and the referenced applicable portions of the 2015 IBC appear to be
met by the structure as originally constructed and as altered under this permit.